MATH TERMS FOR SEQUENCES

Sequence: pattern of numbers that is governed by given rules
Term: member of a sequence, labeled by its position (ex. 1st term, 2nd term)
More than / Greater than: addition (ex. 3 more than an unknown number = x + 3)
Less than / Smaller than: subtraction (ex. 3 less than an unknown number = x – 3)
Times / Of: multiplication (ex. 15% of an unknown number = .15x)

TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE VALUE PROBLEMS
Tip 1: Take your time to make sure that you "translate" sequence problems
           question correctly. Often the key to getting the right answer is not Math at all
           but translating the English in the question into the proper Math equation.

Tip 2: Sequence problems are about patterns. Either the question gives you the
           pattern (in the form of an equation) or asks you to identify the pattern.

SAMPLE PRACTICE QUESTION FOR SEQUENCES
           x, 13, 43, y, z, 1213,…

In the above sequence, each term after the first term, x, is 4 more
than 3 times the previous term. What is the sum of x + z?

     Solution
     1) First, find x --> The 2nd term is (13 =) --> 3 times the 1st term (3x) --> plus 4 (+ 4) --> 13 = 3x + 4 --> x = 3

     2) Next, find y --> The 4th term is (y =) --> 3 times the 3rd term (43 • 3) --> plus 4 (+ 4) --> y = 43(3) + 4 --> y = 133

     3) Finally, find z --> The 5th term is (z =) --> 3 times the 4th term (133 • 3) --> plus 4 (+ 4) --> z = 133(3) + 4 --> z = 403

     4) Find x + z --> x + z = 3 + 403 = 406

SAT Math: Sequences

Lesson Includes:

—Math Terms for Sequence Problems

—Tips for Sequences

—Sample Practice Questions

—Practice Questions

Math

SAT Reading

SAT Writing

SAT Vocabulary

SEQUENCES REVIEW QUIZ

 

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